Verifying address changes after running Addressfinder

Robin Richardson · June 2017

I ran our usual quarterly update for Addressfinder in April. Then recently we found out that one of our major donors and current Board member had his address changed in that update. He didn't move. I worked with Blackbaud support who contacted USPS who researched and found that was an error in their NCOA database. Needless to say, this is disturbing. Has anyone had this happen before? Any suggestions on verifying address changes after Addressfinder is run?

shani traum · June 2017

This is why I never automatically change addresses after Address finder or any other NCOA run, because, yes, this happens more times than I'd like.

We pull a report of any changes and check each one against LexisNexis; recent home sales; etc...annoyingly time consuming, but at least then, I'm confident of the results.

Jennifer Lucarelli · June 2017

hi there. Yes, I have come across this as well. in the grand scheme, it's really only been a fraction of a percent. keep in mind, the people making those changes at the USPS are just data entry people too. mistakes will happen. it hasn't really bitten us at all. minor inconvenience only. (p.s.: have been using services for close to 8 years)

Jen Claudy · June 2017

Happens occasionally, but I'm with Jennifer, it's such a small percentage...definately not worth checking each one manually. Plus, if the change is wrong in your screening results, it's going to be the same for every other organization that this constituent is in a database for...or on a mailing list. And, if you send a mailing and use a mailhouse, you would need to be sure that the mailhouse is not running your list through another screening. The mailhouse I work with a lot always re-screens the list, even when they screen my database.

When we had a constituent call us about a situation like this, we would recommend that they deal directly with USPS, if they aren't already doing so, and then we flag that address and alert the mailhouse to manually make sure that it doesn't get incorrectly updated in any additional screenings. Usually the next NCOA screening has the fix in it.

Daniel Noga 2 · June 2017

Robin Richardson:

I ran our usual quarterly update for Addressfinder in April. Then recently we found out that one of our major donors and current Board member had his address changed in that update. He didn't move. I worked with Blackbaud support who contacted USPS who researched and found that was an error in their NCOA database. Needless to say, this is disturbing. Has anyone had this happen before? Any suggestions on verifying address changes after Addressfinder is run?

I once had a major donor (and somewhat iconic figure in our city) come up as Deceased from and NCOA update when he wasn't. Only problem I've ever had but it was a doozy.

Christine Cooke 2 · July 2017

Robin Richardson:

I ran our usual quarterly update for Addressfinder in April. Then recently we found out that one of our major donors and current Board member had his address changed in that update. He didn't move. I worked with Blackbaud support who contacted USPS who researched and found that was an error in their NCOA database. Needless to say, this is disturbing. Has anyone had this happen before? Any suggestions on verifying address changes after Addressfinder is run?

none of these services are 100%, so there will always be some -- and yes, some will hurt a little more than others. Eeek!

Becky Batman · July 2017

Robin,

My development folks found several records being changed. I run a separate list of just VIP records (as defined by development), when this list comes back development folks review the list and manually add data where they see fit. I can then commit the other batch as normal.

I hope this helps.

Becky

Verifying address changes after running Addressfinder

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